Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1037

Don't fool yourself into thinking your precious stepdaughter has the actual talent to bring the Mercer Group back from the dead!"

With that final blow, Brandon did exactly as he was told and got the hell out.

Martin remained in the study, his eyes sliding shut as he sank heavily back into his chair, looking utterly drained.

He knew everything Brandon had just said was true.

He couldn't possibly stake the entire future of the company on Bella. That much was certain.

Sure, she had picked up some skills during her time at the Blake Group, and she could bring in some profits.

But compared to Lillian? She was completely insignificant.

Lillian held the keys to massive, undeniable success. There was no questioning that.

With Sabrina hiding out today, Martin found his heart painfully torn.

On one hand, he felt relieved that her absence kept her safe for the moment.

On the other hand, he knew she was just running away. She had clearly done something terrible, and despite promising him she would take full responsibility, she had immediately gone into hiding.

To make matters worse, Lillian seemed entirely unwilling to compromise. Martin was consumed by regret. Why had he let things get so toxic with his own biological daughter?

If he hadn't forced her to sign that severance agreement, fixing things now would be infinitely easier.

Unfortunately, he had burned that bridge to ash, making their current situation a logistical nightmare.

Unsurprisingly, sleep eluded many that night.

Martin was no exception.

Bella definitely couldn't sleep. Her mind was racing, trying to figure out exactly what Sebastian was planning for the St. Kingsley anniversary tomorrow.

He had never attended events like this in the past, yet he was actively choosing to go now. There could only be one reason: Lillian.

As long as that woman was there, Sebastian would absolutely find a way to approach her.

As photographers trailed her, she offered generous smiles and polite waves.

Seeing her, a swarm of reporters instantly rushed over.

"Ms. Mercer, how does it feel to return to St. Kingsley for the anniversary?"

"Genius Scholar, the university schedule says you're giving a speech today. Will it be about the algorithm or the low-altitude economy?"

"Ms. Mercer..."

The reporters relentlessly hurled questions at her. Lillian simply kept smiling. The questions were too rapid-fire and dense for her to single one out, and she genuinely had no intention of doing any press interviews anyway.

Just then, another car pulled up. The door swung open, and Sebastian stepped out, his long legs instantly drawing attention.

He spotted Lillian immediately and strode purposefully in her direction.

The reporters quickly noticed Sebastian—currently the center of massive public intrigue—and considering he and Lillian were technically in the same industry, they immediately sensed an opportunity for a joint interview.